Local Organization Raises Employee Wage Concerns About UPMC

PITTSBURGH (NewsRadio 1020 KDKA) – On the heels of a fight between Highmark and UPMC, Pittsburgh United has stepped in to raise concerns against UPMC about a different matter.

Chris Moore spoke to members of Pittsburgh United to discuss a report the organization released on the dangers of UPMC’S low-wage service jobs.

According to the report, these wages will negatively affect the future of Pittsburgh’s middle class.

“It’s shocking to most people, to realize that the majority of people working for UPMC in service jobs are low-paying jobs, they are not family sustaining jobs,” Executive Director of Pittsburgh United Barney Oursler said.

Pittsburgh United conducted an analysis of the best estimate UPMC employees make by speaking to current employees and looking at government reports about medical assistant schools and programs.

“People are really frustrated with UPMC, so we’re calling on all of the community to stand up to UPMC, to stop their bullying of Pittsburgh,” said Oursler.

A rally and march will take place Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013, at 11 a.m., at the corner of Bigelow and Forbes Avenue in Oakland.

“We’re going to have a pretty good show of popular anger at UPMC, calling on them to pay their workers better,” said Oursler.

The rally is family friendly. Pittsburgh United encourages families to bring their children.

The Chris Moore show airs every Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on NewsRadio 1020 KDKA.